Hawaii wasn’t just a vacation for the Cubs: it was their time to compete on a cross-state platform.
Earlier this fall, both the varsity water polo and cross-country teams traveled to Hawaii to compete for national glory. This was a great opportunity for team bonding and for Cubs to compete in a different environment.
Coming fresh off a strong season back in LA, the Loyola water polo team defeated three different teams: Honolulu’s Punahou, beating them twice; Santa Rosa’s Cardinal Newman; and Kamehameha, from Honolulu. Marcus Wooler ‘27 commented, “It was pretty stiff competition in general. We knew what we needed to do, and we just had to stick to our game plan. When we did, things worked out in our favor.”
Off the field, players felt the Hawaiian atmosphere. From surfing on boards, bodysurfing at the beach, and even hiking along Diamond Head crater, the Cubs had fun during the team-bonding experience. Wooler mentioned one of the experiences: “We all went on a canoe surfing experience, and it was maybe one of the most memorable aspects of our entire trip.”
While it was fun to hang out, the Cubs still had work to do as a team. Yet, it wasn’t just the varsity water polo team that competed in Hawaii: on Labor Day weekend, the varsity cross-country team flew into Hawaii for a national tournament. Competing against 37 teams from across the country. Most of them were local Hawaiians, but a significant number of them, like Loyola, were also from California. After competing to their limit, Loyola ultimately placed third.
Yet, it wasn’t just competition for them: the cross-country team treated it as an opportunity “to bond with the other varsity men, specifically the underclassmen,” said varsity cross country runner Columban Baggot ‘27. “Sometimes you get the frosh who are already faster, and it’s nice to make a bond outside of practice.”
The cross-country team absolutely loved the hospitality. They stayed in a tent right on the beach. Baggot and his teammates savored the “Warm waters and tropical humid environment,” which brought the cross-country runners together.
Outside of their games, the water polo team also visited the famous North Shore at Waimea Bay, which culminated their trip in a combination of island adventures and team-building. The team was insistent in pointing out that experiences like these not only bring skills to the team but also strengthen bonds among teammates, an essential part to building a successful, championship-winning team.
